This training program, previously called the ‘Mechatronics Academy’, aims to prepare students for a career in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical equipment that is controlled by electronic and computer driven components.

“Both locally and nationally, employers have difficulty recruiting skilled workers,” said Cindy Buckley, Executive Director of Training for Kalamazoo Valley Community College. "The functionality of everyday products --from
automobiles to heating and air conditioning equipment to manufacturing lines --
requires programmed control systems to operate.
Each of these examples include common components or motors and gears
that work together based on programmed logic."

Applications are now being accepted for the academy’s first class will begin on January 22, 2013, and students will attend classes on a full-time basis for 20 weeks. Informational sessions regarding the academy are being held at Kalamazoo Valley’s Groves Center on Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Oct. 18 at 4 p.m.

Admitted students will participate in classroom learning and hands-on practical application of skills in the learning labs and classrooms at Kalamazoo Valley’s Groves Center.

The academy is result of KVCC responding to local employer needs. The community college is involved with the Advanced Manufacturing Consortium, which includes American Axel, Humphrey Products, Perrigo, Pfizer, Schupan & Sons, Stryker Medical and Stryker Instruments, and was notified of a widespread need for a workforce with different skills to fill open jobs at local manufacturers.

The program certifies students for manufacturing careers as a CAD drafter, CNC machinist, industrial maintenance technician, instrumentation and control technician, machine operator, maintenance mechanic, quality control inspector or welding technician, which are jobs with salaries ranging from $27,000 to $56,000 annually, according to KVCC. The registration fee is $8,500.